not too expensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'not too expensive' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is reasonably priced. For example: "This restaurant has great food and it's not too expensive, so it's popular with people of all income levels."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Something not too expensive.

The New Yorker

We need strong stuff that's not too expensive.

The Guardian

Trips were easy to arrange, and not too expensive.

The New York Times - Travel

Not too expensive, but with plenty of character.

The Guardian - Travel

Hotel Mestre is nice and not too expensive.

The New York Times

But that is clearly not too expensive for some people.

The New York Times

The good thing is it's not too expensive.

The Guardian - Business

If not too expensive, use full-sized, realistic robotic lion, able to run at full speed.

The New Yorker

Eating freshly smoked herring while still lukewarm is special, and at £5.40 not too expensive.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

I would like to find a not-too-expensive bicycle.

The New York Times

Another not-too-expensive place filled with priceless watery views is Yonkers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing products or services, use "not too expensive" to reassure customers that they are getting good value without breaking the bank. For example, "Our services are high quality, but also "not too expensive"".

Common error

While "not too expensive" is generally understood, consider clarifying the specific price range you consider reasonable to avoid misunderstandings. For instance, instead of saying "This hotel is not too expensive", try "This hotel is reasonably priced, with rooms under $150".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not too expensive" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate its price is within a reasonable range. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Wiki

33%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not too expensive" is a versatile and commonly used way to describe something that is reasonably priced. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts. While alternatives like "affordable" and "inexpensive" exist, "not too expensive" offers a nuanced way to convey affordability without implying the lowest possible cost. Remember to clarify the price range when possible to avoid ambiguity. With a strong presence in news, media, and wiki sources, this phrase is a reliable choice for everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inexpensive

A straightforward synonym for "not too expensive", conveying a similar meaning.

affordable

Emphasizes that something is within reach for most people's budgets.

budget-friendly

Focuses on suitability for those with limited financial resources.

within budget

Indicates it can be purchased without exceeding available funds.

reasonably priced

Implies that the price is fair and justifiable.

low-cost

Directly indicates that the item or service is available at a minimal expense.

fairly priced

Indicates the price is reasonable and just, reflecting the item's value.

moderately priced

Suggests a price point that is neither high nor low, but somewhere in the middle.

economical

Highlights the value for money and cost-effectiveness.

cheap

Indicates a very low price, which can sometimes imply lower quality.

FAQs

What does "not too expensive" mean?

The phrase "not too expensive" means something is affordable or reasonably priced. It implies the cost is acceptable and won't cause financial strain.

How can I use "not too expensive" in a sentence?

You can use "not too expensive" to describe anything from products to services to experiences. For example: "I'm looking for a "not too expensive restaurant" for dinner", or "This phone is feature-rich and not too expensive".

What are some alternatives to saying "not too expensive"?

Alternatives include "affordable", "reasonably priced", "budget-friendly", and "inexpensive". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "cheap" or "not too expensive"?

"Not too expensive" is generally preferable to "cheap" as "cheap" can sometimes imply low quality. "Not too expensive" suggests a balance between affordability and acceptable quality.